Dilophus arizonaensis
This record describes Dilophus arizonaensis (species). Recorded family: Bibionidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The female thorax and legs are mostly yellow (one or the other darker in most species). The male has thorax mostly black but the legs are still unusually pale. There are two sets of spines on the front tibia (vs. three in a few species).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Bibionidae (March Flies)
- Genus
- Dilophus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southwest USA
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dilophus arizonaensis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Dilophus arizonaensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Dilophus arizonaensis
What is Dilophus arizonaensis?
Dilophus arizonaensis is a species in the family Bibionidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Dilophus arizonaensis?
The female thorax and legs are mostly yellow (one or the other darker in most species). The male has thorax mostly black but the legs are still unusually pale. There are two sets of spines on the front tibia (vs. three in a few species).
Where is Dilophus arizonaensis found?
Range: Southwest USA